Stephen Ellsworth Obituary

Stephen R. Ellsworth, age 73, of Edwardsville, Illinois passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, February 27, 2016, at Kindred Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, of complications from pneumonia.
Steve was born February 3, 1943, in Vandalia, Illinois, the son of the late Ralph & Twila (Cunningham) Ellsworth. He married Rae M. Yehling on February 22, 1964, at the LeClaire Christian Church in Edwardsville.
Besides his wife of 52 years, he is survived by a daughter, Kris Ellsworth & husband John Dickshot of Glen Carbon; son, Kurt Ellsworth & wife Janel of Edwardsville; grandchildren, Cameron, Jennie, Lily, & Cooper; and 3 sisters, Joan Baker of Warsaw, Missouri, Judy Albrecht & husband Ken of Temple, Texas, and Renee Allen & husband Steve of Temple; and nieces & nephews, Jill Findley & husband Eric of Warsaw, Chelsea Pershall & husband JR of Robinson, Texas, Tad Allen & wife Kaci of Temple, Samantha Allen of Temple, Rod Yehling of O'Fallon, Illinois, and Pamela Althardt & husband Richard of Pocahontas, Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Gary Baker and Ron Yehling; and nephews, Scott Baker and Carter Albrecht.
Steve attended Highland High School for 3 years and graduated from Edwardsville High School in 1961. He owned and operated the Texaco Service Station on the corner of Buchanan & East Vandalia Streets in Edwardsville. Steve began a 48 year career with State Farm Insurance Company in 1967, sharing an office with his father for many years. He was a Member and Past President of the Board of the First Christian Church in Edwardsville. Steve served as Mayor of the City of Edwardsville from 1977-81, and in recent years he served on the City of Edwardsville Zoning Board and Public Safety Facilities Committee. He served as President of the Edwardsville Jaycees of which he was a Jaycee Senator, Board Member of the Boy Scouts of America, Past Chairman of the Greater Edwardsville Area Community Foundation, and Past President of the Edwardsville Rotary Club.
A memorial service will be held at the First Christian Church, 310 South Main Street in Edwardsville at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2016, with Rev. James Brooks officiating.
There will be a luncheon immediately following at the church.
Memorials may be given to First Christian Church or Public Safety Facilities Fund for the new fire stations.
Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com.
Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Edwardsville Intelligencer from Mar. 1 to Mar. 2, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Ellsworth

11 Entries

Rodney Harris

March 5, 2016

My deepest sympathy to the Steve Ellsworth family. May you find comfort in God during this very trying time.

Sue Mikula

March 5, 2016

A very fine man, indeed. My father introduced him to me as his agent, and he then became mine until I relocated to Chicago. He helped me find another great agent. Such a kind person with a great sense of humor. A joy to know.

Sue Bennett Mikula

Garry Organ

March 3, 2016

Rae, Kurt
So sorry that Sharon and I can't attend Steve's funeral. Steve was one of the finest, most caring individuals that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. First met him in either 1968 or 1969 when I bought my first policy from him. Sharon and I are so saddened by the news of his very untimely passing and want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you.

Kari Karidis

March 2, 2016

No words will accurately or fully express the the admiration I held for Steve or the sorrow I feel for your loss. I understand that words don't lessen the heartache you feel right now, but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you.

March 2, 2016

I am in total shock and and deeply saddened by the loss of Steve. I have been a client of his since the early 1970's when his office was located in a house on the main street in Edwardsville. I had just gotten my first car. My mom and I parked behind the brick house and nervously walked in. It was by faith that I chose to go in for I had never heard of him. When we walked in he had such a beautiful smile and welcoming voice that I knew I made the right decision. My entire family later joined me there. That memory will stay with me always ! We will continue with Ellsworth State Farm. I will truly miss him. Having said that my prayers go out to the entire family. May the Lord comfort you during this difficult time.
Chandres { Candy } Johnson
Gilford & Birdie Johnson

Chris & Pam Schaeffer

March 2, 2016

Rae & Kurt, so very sorry to hear about Steve. He was truly a kind and gentle man. We will never forget our sunset pontoon rides with Steve and the beer cooler. Our most sincere and heartfelt sympathies.

Terry Gusewelle

March 2, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with the Ellsworth family.....RIP in peace, Steve!!

March 1, 2016

Rae, Bob and I are so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. He will be missed! Please extend our sympathy to the rest of your family.
Bob and Marilyn Dennis, Laguna Woods, Ca

Edward Schultz

March 1, 2016

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

March 1, 2016

Oh Rae & family, i am in total shock !
I do not know what to say.Steve was a wonderful man!!! I just can not speak my heart on here. I will be back in April and get together with you. I am so sorry for your loss. Jeff Scates

George Burke

March 1, 2016

I am sorry for your loss, I knew Steve when I lived in Glen Carbon, he was my insurance agent forever, also worked with him in the Jaycee's,etc. he gave me a lot of very good business advice thru various ventures, one of which I should have taken his advice and didn't, but, as Red Skelton once said, "too soon old, to late smart". Steve was a great guy, a great mayor and a good person, he will be missed by many.

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